SCHOONER MARY DAY

Widely regarded as one of the finest vessels operating in the Maine windjammer fleet, the schooner MARY DAY represents a rare combination of historic character, thoughtful design, and exceptional condition. Designed by Havilah "Buds" Hawkins--who named her after his wife--and launched at Maine's iconic Harvey Gamage Shipyard in 1962, she was the first Maine schooner purpose-built for the windjammer trade. Hawkins, one of the most respected figures in Maine windjammer history, brought deep practical experience to her design.

MARY DAYwas conceived to blend the aesthetic and sailing performance of a traditional coasting schooner with the functional demands of passenger service. Her interior arrangement, hull form, centerboard configuration, rig, and deck layout reflect a clear understanding of performance, safety, and comfort.

She accommodates 28 overnight guests with a crew of 7 and is the only schooner in the current Maine fleet to carry a full complement of main and fore topsails, along with a flying jib--giving her both a striking appearance under sail and a distinctive draw for guests seeking an authentic tall-ship experience. For daysails, MARY DAY is certified to carry 39 passengers with 3 crew.

For more than six decades, she has operated successfully in the Camden-based windjammer trade, earning a strong reputation for comfort, safety, and repeat clientele. She is equally known for her sailing performance, having won her class numerous times in the annual Great Schooner Race.

Below decks, accommodations are designed to maximize comfort without sacrificing character. Cabins feature windows and skylights for natural ventilation, generous headroom, freshwater sinks, USB outlets, and central heat--an uncommon and valuable feature that extends her operating season. The fo'c'sle is a private compartment with four bunks, providing privacy for an owner/operator and family. With reinstallation of the original fore-and-aft bulkhead dividing this compartment in half, overnight passenger capacity could be increased to 30.

The main salon and galley form the social heart of the vessel. The salon features a large skylight, antique oil lamps, a fireplace, a parlor organ, and seating for all 28 guests to enjoy dining, music, and evening gatherings. The open galley is both practical and inviting, centered around a traditional wood cookstove (which could easily be converted to coal or diesel) and supported by generous working space, storage, and a robust compressor-driven refrigeration system.

On deck, spaces are open and uncluttered, offering room for guests to participate in sailing, dine alfresco, or relax underway. Thoughtful details--such as the classic green wooden rocking chair on the aft deck--enhance the onboard experience. A hydraulically driven cast-iron anchor windlass (which can also be operated manually) ensures reliable operation, and her rigging and sails--Oceanus, made by Gamble & Hunter--are in excellent condition (2019 and newer).

A shoal draft of just 7.5' combined with her deep centerboard configuration provides access to harbors and anchorages unavailable to deeper vessels, while maintaining strong windward performance with the board lowered.

MARY DAY'scondition is perhaps her greatest attribute. She underwent a substantial rebuild at North End Shipyard in 1999-2000, including approximately 10,600 labor hours and 10,000 board feet of new planking, and has since benefited from continuous annual upgrades. A comprehensive survey updated during a recent haul-out in April 2026 confirms her excellent overall condition and includes full the overview of construction and systems specifications.

Her purpose-built construction includes several distinct advantages over more traditional coasting schooner construction. The decks are finished with pine planking laid over 3mm mahogany plywood, which is epoxy-bonded to the original deck structure--providing the appearance and feel of a traditional laid deck while remaining exceptionally watertight and low-maintenance. The hull features heavy outer planking over double-sawn oak frames and no inner ceiling, allowing improved airflow, ease of inspection, and long-term structural accessibility.

For small boats, MARY DAY comes accompanied by a small armada. Her primary yawl boat, built by Arno Day, is in excellent condition, independently certified for nine passengers, and powered by a new (2025) Yanmar 4JH 80 hp diesel engine with a new shaft and driveline. In addition, she includes a spare yawl boat with a recently rebuilt 80 hp Ford Lehman diesel; two Jimmy Steel peapods (Anna and Departure); and a Joel White Catspaw with sailing rig (Darcy)--these three carried on side davits. Also included are a new (2026) 12' Achilles inflatable (Healy) with a 25 hp four-stroke electric-start outboard, a pair of varnished plywood Chesapeake Light Craft sea kayaks (Tinker and Castine), and two stand-up paddleboards.

A pure sailing schooner, MARY DAY's auxiliary propulsion is provided by a powerful diesel-powered yawl boat, which is hauled up on stern davits when not in use. This approach prioritizes sailing performance, minimizes onboard mechanical complexity, and enhances the quiet, traditional experience under sail.

As a Coast Guard-inspected passenger vessel, she is maintained and regularly inspected to a rigorous, high standard. Modern navigation electronics and required safety equipment are fully up to date, masts were pulled for a 10-year CG inspection in 2024, and the next CG drydock/fastener inspection is scheduled for spring 2027.

MARY DAY'scurrent berth at the head of Camden Harbor--available to the next owner--is among the most desirable on the entire Maine coast, offering prominent visibility and unobstructed views of the harbor, public landing, and waterfall beyond.

She represents a truly turn-key opportunity, fully equipped with complete galley inventory, linens, safety gear, and all equipment necessary for immediate operation--whether continuing her current windjammer trade, transitioning into sail training or educational use, or enjoying her as a private cruising vessel.

In whatever role she next serves, MARY DAY represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to assume stewardship of one of the finest coasting schooners ever built.

Key Features

• Turn-key, successful business opportunity
• Purpose-built for the windjammer trade
• Accommodates 28 guests with 7 crew overnight
• Accommodates 39 guests with 3 crew (42 total) for daysails
• Only Maine windjammer schooner carrying both topsails and a flying jib
• Rebuilt/refurbished (1999-2000) with 2026 survey available
• Current Coast Guard inspection with up-to-date equipment
• Highly desirable Camden Harbor berth

Specifications

• Builder:Harvey Gamage Shipyard, South Bristol, Maine (1962)
• Designer:Havilah Hawkins, Camden, Maine
• Length on Deck:90'
• Sparred Length Overall:125'
• Beam:22'
• Draft:7.5' (board up) / 15' (board down)
• Net Tonnage:89 tons
• Sail Area:5,000 sq. ft.
• Auxiliary Power:Yanmar 4JH 80 hp diesel (2025 yawl boat engine)